The following article is based on years of experience. It is provided as a free service to our customers and visitors. However, Directron.com is not responsible for any damage as a result of following any of this advice.
Copying the contents for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited without Directron.com's written consent. However, you are welcome to distribute these computer support tips free to your friends and associates as long as it's not for commercial purposes and you acknowledge the source. You are permitted and encouraged to create links to this page from your own web site.
Here are five common-sense techniques and strategies to solve common computer hardware problems.
(1) Trial-and-error
Personal computers are highly modular by design. The most powerful trouble-shooting technique is to isolate the problem to a specific component by trial-and-error. Swap compatible components and see if the system still works. Try different peripherals on different machines and see if the same problem occurs. Make one change at a time.
(2) "It's the cable, s-----."
More than 70% of all computer problems are related to cabling and connections. Ensure all cables are connected firmly. IDE and floppy ribbon cables and power cables can often go loose. Ensure microprocessor, memory modules, and adapters such as video card and sound card are inserted correctly and didn't "pop-up" during transportation.
(3) Don't be frustrated!
Don't be afraid of computer problems. It is often the best opportunity to learn. Trouble-shooting is part of the fun of owning a computer. Imagine the satisfaction you could get by solving a problem yourself.
Of course the fun could ran out quickly once you are frustrated and have spent too much time on the same problem. If you feel frustrated, it's time to leave it for a while and go back with some new ideas or call someone who can help. Rule of thumb: You shouldn't spend more than three hours on the same problem at one time.
(4) Take notes!
Take notes of what you have done and all the error messages. You may need to use them later. For instance, when you see an unusual blue screen with an error message, copy the entire message onto a piece of paper. In many situations, that message may point to the right direction in getting the problem solved quickly.
(5) Take a look?
It's OK to open a computer case and take a look inside. There is only 5V and 12V DC voltage supplied to the components outside the power supply. Those who have never seen the inside of a computer are often amazed by how simple it looks. Of course, still always power down and unplug the power cord first.
How to Maintain a Computer System?
The following article is based on years of experience. It is provided as a free service to our customers and visitors. However, Directron.com is not responsible for any damage as a result of following any of this advice.
Copying the contents for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited without Directron.com's written consent. However, you are welcome to distribute these computer support tips free to your friends and associates as long as it's not for commercial purposes and you acknowledge the source. You are permitted and encouraged to create links to this page from your own web site.
Copying the contents for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited without Directron.com's written consent. However, you are welcome to distribute these computer support tips free to your friends and associates as long as it's not for commercial purposes and you acknowledge the source. You are permitted and encouraged to create links to this page from your own web site.
- If you use your computer more than a few hours per day, we suggest you not to turn off your computer at the end of the day. Instead turn off only the monitor to save electricity. Daily power up and down makes the components exposed to high and low temperature cycles that are not good for the life-time of the components, particularly the critical ones such as hard drives, CPU, and memory. The temperature cycle would result in expansion-shrinking cycle for the components. The life-time of electronic components would be increased if they are run at constant temperature with adequate ventilation.
- If your area experiences a few times of power outage per year, it is necessary to use a UPS. Sudden power downs while the system is running may cause severe damage to hard drives.
- A tape backup and a lock to make systems hard to move are worthy investment for critical data.
- Use your hand to touch and feel the cover of your computer at least once a week. The cover should be at room temperature. If it feels warm there may be a problem! Check to make sure that the cooling fans on the power supply and CPU are working properly. Clean the air pathway on the back of the power supply on a regular basis.
Troubleshooting Tips for Cases and Power Supplies
The following advises are based on many years of experience. They are provided as a free service to our customers and visitors. However, Directron.com is not responsible for any damage as a result of following any of these tips. You are welcome to distribute these guides free to your friends and associates for personal usage as long as Directron.com is clearly identified as the source. Use of these guides without written permission by Directron.com on business web sites and/or for commercial purposes is strictly not allowed.
The most important part of a computer case is its power supply. Unfortunately, it's also the part that has most of the problems for a case. There are two situations when a new power supply may appear dead on arrival (DOA) when they are actually working as described below:
Most cases and power supplies these days are made and tested in China and other Asian countries where 220V electricity is used. Desktop computer power supplies do not switch the power voltage automatically. (Most notebook computers do!) If the factory forgets to turn the manual switch back to 110V for the North American market after testing, the power supply would appear DEAD if you use on a 110V-outlet. Therefore, always check the voltage setting on the back of a new power supply FIRST if it appears dead.
Do not expect an ATX power supply to work by simply plugging the power and turning on the switch. ATX power supplies are soft-switched on and off by the motherboard and BIOS. Therefore, you must plug it to a working motherboard with a working microprocessor, memory and video card to work. If your computer does not turn on after you turn on the power switch, it may not necessarily mean a dead power supply. The problem might be with the motherboard, microprocessor, memory or video card instead. You must examine all these components to isolate the problem.
The most effective technique to tell if a power supply is causing any problem is to use a different one to see if it solves the problem. If everything works with a different power supply, then the new power supply is most likely the troublemaker. Alternatively, you can plug the new power supply to an existing, working computer to see if it works there.
Computer cases are highly modular. If your computer case is still under warranty, you don't have to send the entire case back if only one part of it is defective. For instance, send only the power supply back for exchange if only power supply is dead. The same is true for the face panel and cover. This would save you quite a bit of shipping and sometimes downtime.
More than 70% of all computer problems are related to cabling and connections. Ensure that you all the power plugs are connected firmly, including power connections to your motherboard and all the drives.
Make sure the cooling fan inside the power supply is working all the time. Reach out to feel the fan behind your case often. Clean the fan if necessary. If your case feels warmer than room temperature, check the power supply fan first. Most power supply fans are difficult to replace. You are better off to replace the entire power supply since the new one comes with a brand-new warranty.
Before ATX form factor became popular, the compatibility between a power supply and a specific motherboard could be problematic. However, this problem nowadays does not happen very often any more.
The rest of a case is mostly mechanical. You should be able to find a way to get around most of the problems if you are mechanically inclined.
Trouble Shooting Tips after Installing a New Hard Drive
The following article is based on years of experience. It is provided as a free service to our customers and visitors. However, Directron.com is not responsible for any damage as a result of following any of this advice.
Copying the contents for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited without Directron.com's written consent. However, you are welcome to distribute these computer support tips free to your friends and associates as long as it's not for commercial purposes and you acknowledge the source. You are permitted and encouraged to create links to this page from your own web site.
Copying the contents for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited without Directron.com's written consent. However, you are welcome to distribute these computer support tips free to your friends and associates as long as it's not for commercial purposes and you acknowledge the source. You are permitted and encouraged to create links to this page from your own web site.
- Basic Troubleshooting Tips after Installing a New Hard Drive
- Verify compatibility. Verify that the host adapter and drive are appropriately matched to each other and to your computer. Refer to the relevant documentation for details.
- Check all cards. Verify that all cards are seated in their slots on the motherboard and secured with mounting screws.
- Check all connectors and cables. Make sure all ribbon and power cables are securely connected. Ribbon cables are easily damaged, especially at the connector. Try a new cable that you know is good. Make sure no connector pins are bent. Verify that pin 1 on the interface cable is aligned with pin 1 on the drive and host adapter (see Figure 2 on page 6).
- Verify jumper settings. Review the instructions in this guide and in your host adapter installation guide. Make sure all appropriate jumpers are installed or removed as necessary.
- Check your power-supply specifications. Each time you add a new device to your computer, make sure your cornputer's internal power supply can support the total power demand. If necessary, consult your dealer for a new power supply.
- Verify the drive-type settings in the system setup program. The drive-type settings in the system BIOS must not exceed the physical specifications of your drive. Also, the settings must not exceed the limitations set by the operating system and BIOS.
- Check for viruses. Before you use someone else's diskette in your system for the first time, scan the diskette for viruses.
- After you install your new drive, your computer will not boot, and no error message appears on the screen.
- The screen remains blank when you power up the system.
- The system does not recognize the drive.
- The dealer partitioned and formatted the drive for you in the store, but the drive does not respond when you install it.
- The system hangs in FDISK or fails to create or save the partition record.
- The system error message, "Drive not Ready," appears.
- The FDISK error message, "No Fixed Disk Present," appears.
- The drive does not format to full capacity.
- The DOS message "Disk Boot Failure," "Non-System Disk" or "No ROM Basic - SYSTEM HALTED" appears.
- The system error message, "HDD controller failure" appears.
- After you install your new drive, your computer will not boot, and no error message appears on the screen.
- Turn off your computer, open the case, and remove your new drive.
CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge damage to your computer or hard drive, make sure you are well grounded before touching the drive, cable, connector or jumpers. - Move the jumper on the alternate-capacity jumper, as shown in Figure 6. This causes the drive to appear to your BIOS as having a 2.1-Gbyte capacity (4,092 cylinders, 16 heads, 63 sectors per track). You may need third-party partitioning software, such as Disk Manager, to achieve full capacity of the drive.
- Remount your drive in the computer and replace the computer cover.
- Insert a bootable system diskette into drive A and turn on the computer. It should boot from drive A and automatically detect the new drive as a 2.1 -Gbyte drive.
- Insert your DiscWizard diskette into drive A and type A:XDM. Then press ENTER. This runs the Disk Manager program.
- Follow the Disk Manager instructions to install the dynamic drive overlay and to partition and format your new drive to its full capacity.
- After Disk Manager is done, reboot your system. You should see the Disk Manager banner and be able to access the full capacity of your new drive.
- The screen remains blank when you power up the system.
- Make sure the monitor is plugged in and turned on.
- Check all cards.
- Make sure the video card is seated in its slot and secured with mounting screws.
- Turn off the computer and remove the drive host adapter. If the screen turns on after you reboot, the host adapter may be incompatible or defective. If so, see your dealer.
- The system does not recognize the drive.
- Check all cables.
- Make sure the power supply is adequate for system needs.
- Reboot the computer and listen to make sure the drive motor starts up. If the drive is very quiet, it may be difficult to hear its discs reach operating speed. If the drive motor does not start up, recheck all drive cables.
- Verify that for each drive, a drive-type is listed in the system setup program.
- Try rebooting your computer by pressing the CTRL, ALT and DELETE keys simultaneously. If the drive is recognized after you reboot the system, the computer BIOS test may be completing before the drive is ready.
One solution is to slow the processor speed during startup. If your computer has a turbo switch, set it to slow speed before turning the computer on. If there is no turbo switch, you may be able to use keyboard commands; see your computer manual for details. After the computer is up and running, return the processor to the fast speed.
Another solution is to warm-boot your computer after every power-on. - Check for I/O address conflicts. To isolate the conflict, verify that the drive and host adapter are compatible with your computer. Turn off the computer and remove all the peripheral adapter cards except for the video card and host adapter. If the computer recognizes the drive when you reboot the computer, turn off the computer. Reinstall the other peripheral cards, one at a time, until the conflict reoccurs. After you have isolated the source of the address conflict, you can resolve the conflict by changing the 1/0 address of the peripheral that appears to cause the conflict.
- If Disk Manager has installed the DDO on your hard drive and you have booted directly from a diskette, the information in the boot record for the drive may not have been loaded. Make sure there is no diskette in drive A and reboot. If you want to boot from the diskette, follow the "Booting with a Diskette" instructions under "Advanced Disk Manager Options" on page 20.
- The dealer partitioned and formatted the drive for you in the store, but the drive does not respond when you install it.
- Reboot the computer and make sure the drive spins up.
- Check all cables.
- Make sure the power supply is adequate for system needs.
- Make sure the DOS or Windows version the dealer used to partition and format the drive is the same version you have installed in your computer. If it isn't, see your dealer.
- Verify the drive-type values in the system setup program. You must install the drive using the same drive-type values your dealer used to partition the drive.
- Check for 1/0 address conflicts between peripheral cards.
- Check for viruses.
- The system hangs in FDISK or fails to create or save the partition record.
- Check all cables.
- Your setup system diskette may be corrupted. Try using a backup diskette.
- Make the partitions smaller.
- Change the interrupt jumper setting on the host adapter.
- Some BIOS have a Track 0 protection feature that protects Track 0 from viruses. This may cause FDISK to hang the system. You must disable this feature in the system setup program before you can use FDISK. See your computer reference guide for assistance. Be sure to re-enable this important feature when FDISK is done.
- The system error message, "Drive not Ready," appears.
- Check all cable connections. Make sure pin 1 of the drive is connected to pin 1 of the hard-disc controller or host adapter.
- Make sure the power supply is adequate for system needs.
- Reboot the computer and make sure the drive spins up.
- The FDISK error message, "No Fixed Disk Present," appears.
- Make sure the power supply is adequate for system needs.
- Verify the drive-type values in the system setup program.
- Check for 1/0 address conflicts.
- The drive does not format to full capacity.
- Verify the drive-type values in the system setup program. One of the following problems may have occurred:
- The values may be set with an incorrect translation characteristic.
- You may have entered a parameter value that exceeds the physical capacity of the drive.
- You entered a translation characteristic that does not take full advantage of the drive's capacity.
- The drive's physical specifications exceed the translation limits imposed by the BIOS.
CAUTION: If you change the drive-type values in the system setup program, you must partition and format the drive again. This erases data on the drive. - If you have partitioned the drive into individual logical drives, you may need to make the partitions smaller to access the full drive capacity.
- If your computer supports LBA mode, you may need to enable LBA mode in the system setup program to access the full capacity of the drive. Refer to your computer's reference guide to find out how to enable LBA.
- Your computer may not support drives that have more than 4,092 cylinders. Follow the instructions on page 25 for After you install your new drive, your computer will not boot, and no error message appears on the screen.
- The DOS message "Disk Boot Failure," "Non-System Disk" or "No ROM Basic - SYSTEM HALTED" appears.
- Reinstall the DOS system files using the DOS SYS utility.
- Check all cables.
- Use FDISK to verify that the primary partition is active.
- Check for viruses.
- The system error message, "HDD controller failure" appears.
- Confirm the jumper settings on the drive.
- Verify the drive-type settings in the system setup program.
Based on Seagate IDE hard drives.
If you have installed your drive and it does not function properly, perform the following basic checks:
Warning: Always turn off the computer before changing jumpers or unplugging cables and cards. Wear a ground strap or use other antistatic precautions while working on your computer or handling your drive.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
If you have performed the preceding basic checks but the problem persists, follow these guidelines for troubleshooting specific cases:
Check your computer manual or BIOS manufacturer to determine whether your BIOS supports drives that have more than 4,092 cylinders. If your system has this limitation, use the following procedure to configure your computer:
If the steps listed above do not remedy this problem, try the following:
Trouble Shooting Tips after Installing a New Video Card
The following advises are based on many years of experience. They are provided as a free service to our customers and visitors. However, Directron.com is not responsible for any damage as a result of following any of these advises. You are welcome to distribute these tips free to your friends and associates as long as it's not for commercial purposes.
The following troubleshooting tips may help if you experience problems.
The following troubleshooting tips may help if you experience problems.
- Check that the card is seated properly in its expansion slot. Some AGP cards have design flaws and are "well-known" to "pop out" during transportation. For PCI cards, if the problem still exists, try a difference PCI expansion slot.
- Ensure the display cable is securely fastened to the card's display connector.
- Make sure that the display and computer are plugged in and receiving power.
- If necessary, disable any built-in graphics capabilities on your motherboard. For more information, see your computer's manual.
- Make sure you selected the appropriate display device and graphics card when you installed your enhanced driver.
- If you have problems during start-up, start your computer in Safe Mode. In Windows 98, press the F8 key when "Starting Windows 98" appears; or, in Windows 98, press and hold the CTRL key until the Windows 98 Startup Menu appears on the screen. Then select the number for Safe Mode, and press Enter.
Fax/Modem Troubleshooting Tips
The following general-purpose advises are provided as a free service to our customers and visitors. Actual procedure may vary among brands. Read your product user manual carefully before any work. Directron.com is not responsible for any damage as a result of following any of these advises. You are welcome to distribute these tips free to your friends and associates as long as it's not for commercial purposes.
My modem is a 56K, but I can connect to the Internet only at slower speed.
The current copper wired telephone lines are limited only to about 53K. If you are connected only to 33.6 or 28.8K, check the following first:
This occurs most often when connecting to a UNIX system. In most case, the host does not prefer to see any result or command echo codes. If this is the case, the codes can be disabled by adding E0 Q1 to the modem configuration string.
The modem dials and appears to complete the connection, but the communications software does not enter the correct mode. (The screen remains blank)
This is normally caused by an I/O address or IRQ conflict. Verify that the COM port is not in use by any other serial device and if necessary use another COM port or I/O address settting. Refer to your computer manual on how to determine what serial ports are installed.
The modem dials and appears to complete the connection, but the communications software does not enter the correct mode. (The screen remains blank)
The auto answer mode is determined by the S0 register. If S0 has been set to 0, the modem will not answer. Asign another value to S0 by entering the following command: S0=n, where n = the number of rings to occur before the call is answered (ATS0=2, the modem answers after two rings)
The modem always answers the phone.
Set the S0 register to 0. ATS0=0.
The communications software displays, "No Dialtone."
Make sure that your phone cable is working properly and that it is firmly seated to the phone socket at your phone jack and in the real panel of the modem.
A high pitched squeal is emitted from the external speakers
This phenomenon is "feedback" and occurs when the microphone is pointed at the external speaker or is close enough to pick up the speaker output. This may be remedied by using a unidirectional microphone, making sure that it is pointed away and as far from the speaker as functionally possible. Another option is to use a headset with an attached microphone.
My modem is a 56K, but I can connect to the Internet only at slower speed.
The current copper wired telephone lines are limited only to about 53K. If you are connected only to 33.6 or 28.8K, check the following first:
- Is your modem compatible with the modem used at your ISP?
- Is your modem set up to run at full speed?
- What's the maximum speed your ISP allows?
- How far away are you from your ISP?
- Some modems need special initiation strings to get full speed.
- Some conditions are out of your control, such as weather and conditions of the telephone lines in your community.
- Problems may occur when you are dialing through a phone system such as one in a hotel.
This occurs most often when connecting to a UNIX system. In most case, the host does not prefer to see any result or command echo codes. If this is the case, the codes can be disabled by adding E0 Q1 to the modem configuration string.
The modem dials and appears to complete the connection, but the communications software does not enter the correct mode. (The screen remains blank)
This is normally caused by an I/O address or IRQ conflict. Verify that the COM port is not in use by any other serial device and if necessary use another COM port or I/O address settting. Refer to your computer manual on how to determine what serial ports are installed.
The modem dials and appears to complete the connection, but the communications software does not enter the correct mode. (The screen remains blank)
- There may be an I/O conflict (see the solution for the previous problem).
- The Result Codes may have been disabled by the software configuration set up. Check if Q1 is in the configuration or initialization string. If so, change it to Q0.
- Your software may require numeric result codes rather than verbal result codes. Use either V0 for numeric result codes or V1 for verbal result codes in your initiazation or configuration string.
- Some software require full extended result codes (i.e., CONNECT 33600 instead of CONNECT). This can be controlled by the Xn command. X0 sends a summarized code (CONNECT) and X4 sends a full extended code (CONNECT 33600)
The auto answer mode is determined by the S0 register. If S0 has been set to 0, the modem will not answer. Asign another value to S0 by entering the following command: S0=n, where n = the number of rings to occur before the call is answered (ATS0=2, the modem answers after two rings)
The modem always answers the phone.
Set the S0 register to 0. ATS0=0.
The communications software displays, "No Dialtone."
Make sure that your phone cable is working properly and that it is firmly seated to the phone socket at your phone jack and in the real panel of the modem.
A high pitched squeal is emitted from the external speakers
This phenomenon is "feedback" and occurs when the microphone is pointed at the external speaker or is close enough to pick up the speaker output. This may be remedied by using a unidirectional microphone, making sure that it is pointed away and as far from the speaker as functionally possible. Another option is to use a headset with an attached microphone.
Troubleshooting Tips for a New Motherboard
The following advice is based on many years of experience. They are provided as a free service to our customers and visitors. However, Directron.com is not responsible for any damage as a result of following any of these advises. You are welcome to distribute these tips free to your friends and associates as long as it's not for commercial purposes.
| Choose Motherboard | Motherboard Installation Guide |
More than 70% of all computer problems are related to cabling and connections. Ensure all cables are connected and connected firmly. IDE and floppy ribbon cables and power cables can often go loose. Ensure microprocessor, memory modules, and adapters such as video card are inserted correctly and didn't "pop-up" due to vibration.
System has no power at all. Power light does not illuminate, fan inside the power supply does not turn on, and indicator light on keyboard does not turn on.
System inoperative. Keyboard lights are on, power indicator lights are lit, and hard drive is spinning.
System does not boot from hard disk drive, can be booted from floppy disk drive.
System only boots from Floppy Disk. Hard Disk can be read and applications can be used, but booting from Hard Disk is impossible.
Error message reading "SECTOR NOT FOUND" or other error messages indication certain data is not allowed to be retrieved.
Disk formatted on IBM PS/2 will not operate with this system.
After install an expansion card (network card, tape drive card, etc.) the system no longer works properly.
Screen message says "Invalid Configuration" or "CMOS Failure."
Screen is blank.
System does not boot from hard disk drive, can be booted from floppy disk drive.
Problem
Screen goes blank periodically.
Keyboard failure.
No color on screen.
Floppy drive lights stays on.
Error reading drive A:
C: drive failure.
Cannot boot system after installing second hard drive.
Missing operating system on hard drive.
Certain keys do not function.
Keyboard is locked, no keys function.
| Choose Motherboard | Motherboard Installation Guide |
More than 70% of all computer problems are related to cabling and connections. Ensure all cables are connected and connected firmly. IDE and floppy ribbon cables and power cables can often go loose. Ensure microprocessor, memory modules, and adapters such as video card are inserted correctly and didn't "pop-up" due to vibration.
System has no power at all. Power light does not illuminate, fan inside the power supply does not turn on, and indicator light on keyboard does not turn on.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| Power cable is unplugged. | Visually inspect power cable. | Make sure power cable is securely plugged in. |
| Defective power cable. | Visual inspection, try another cable. | Replace cable. |
| Power supply failure. | Power cable and wall socket are OK, but system is still dead. | Contact technical support |
| Faulty wall outlet;circuit breaker or fuse blown. | Plug device into socket know to work and test. | Use different socket, repair outlet, reset circuit breaker or replace fuse. |
System inoperative. Keyboard lights are on, power indicator lights are lit, and hard drive is spinning.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| Expansion card is partially dislodged from expansion slot on the motherboard. | Turn off computer. Take cover off system unit. Check all expansion cards to ensure they are securely seated in slots. | Using even pressure on both ends of the expansion card, press down firmly on expansion card. |
| Defective floppy disk drive or tape drive. | Turn system off. Disconnect the cables from one of the floppy drives. Turn on the system, check to see if the keyboard operates normally. Repeat until you have located defective unit. | Contact Technical Support. |
| Defective expansion card. | Turn computer off. Remove an expansion card. | Make sure expansion card is secure in expansion socket. |
System does not boot from hard disk drive, can be booted from floppy disk drive.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| Connector between hard drive and system board unplugged. | When attempting to run the FDISK utility described in the HARD DISK section of the manual you get a message, INVALID DRIVE SPECIFICATION. | Check cable running form disk to disk controller on the board. Make sure both ends are securely plugged in; check the drive type in the Standard CMOS Setup (in your motherboard manual). |
| Damaged Hard Disk or Disk Controller. | Format hard disk; if unable to do so, the hard disk may be defective. | Contact Technical Support. |
| Hard Disk directory or FAT is scrambled. | Run the FDISK program, format the hard drive(See HARD DRIVE section of manual). Copy your backup data back onto hard drive. | Backing up the hard drive is extremely important. All Hard Disks are capable of breaking down at any time. |
System only boots from Floppy Disk. Hard Disk can be read and applications can be used, but booting from Hard Disk is impossible.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| Hard Disk boot program has been destroyed. | A number of causes could be behind this. | Back up data and applications files. Reformat the Hard Drive as described in the Hard Drive section of the manual. Re-install applications and data using backup disks. |
Error message reading "SECTOR NOT FOUND" or other error messages indication certain data is not allowed to be retrieved.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| A number of causes could be behind this. | Use a file by file backup instead of an image backup to backup the Hard Disk. | Back up any salvageable data. Then do a low level format, partition, and high level format of the hard drive( see Hard Disk section of your manual for instructions). Re-install all saved data when completed. |
Disk formatted on IBM PS/2 will not operate with this system.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| The IBM PS/2 uses a different format than other computers. | IBM PS/2 disk format will not work in an AT type computer. | Format disk in the AT type computer insert disk into the IBM PS/2 and copy the files you wish. |
After install an expansion card (network card, tape drive card, etc.) the system no longer works properly.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| No power to monitor. | All or part of the system may be inoperable. The new card may work but a mouse or COM port may not work. | Change the interrupt or RAM address on the new expansion card. See the documentation that came with the new card in order to change pin settings. many expansion devices come with proprietary software that will assist you in doing this. |
Screen message says "Invalid Configuration" or "CMOS Failure."
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| Incorrect information entered into the configuration (setup) program. | Check the configuration program. Replace any incorrect information. | Review system's equipment. Make sure correct information is in setup. |
Screen is blank.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| No power to monitor. | Power connectors may be loose or not plugged in. | Check the power connectors to monitor and to system. Make sure monitor is connected to display card, change I/O address on network card if applicable. |
| Monitor not connected to computer. | See instructions above. | |
| Network card I/O address conflict. | See instructions above. |
System does not boot from hard disk drive, can be booted from floppy disk drive.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| Connector between hard drive and system board unplugged. | When attempting to run the FDISK utility described in the HARD DISK section of the manual you get a message, INVALID DRIVE SPECIFICATION. | Check cable running form disk to disk controller on the board. Make sure both ends are securely plugged in; check the drive type in the Standard CMOS Setup (in your |
Problem
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| Memory problem, display card jumpers not set correctly. | Reboot computer. Re-install memory, make sure that all memory modules are installed in correct sockets. Check jumper and switch settings on display card. See display card section for information of settings. | |
| Computer virus. | Use anti-virus programs (McAfee/PC-cillin, E-port, etc) to detect and clean viruses. |
Screen goes blank periodically.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| Screen saver is enabled. | Disable screen saver. |
Keyboard failure.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| Keyboard is disconnected. | Reconnect keyboard. Check keys again, if no improvement, replace keyboard. |
No color on screen.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| Faulty Monitor. | If possible, connect monitor to another system. If no color, replace monitor. | |
| CMOS incorrectly set up. | Call technical support. |
Floppy drive lights stays on.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| Floppy Drive cable not connected correctly. | Reconnect floppy cable making sure PIN1 on the Floppy Drive corresponds with PIN1 on floppy cable connector. |
Error reading drive A:
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| Bad floppy disk. | Try new floppy disk. | |
| Floppy disk not formatted | Format floppy disk(type ENTER) |
C: drive failure.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| SETUP program does not have correct information. | Boot from drive A: using DOS system disk. Input correct information to SETUP program. | |
| Hard Drive cable not connected properly. | Check Hard drive cable. |
Cannot boot system after installing second hard drive.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| Master/Slave jumpers not set correctly. | Set master /Slave jumpers correctly. | |
| Hard Drives not compatible / different manufacturers. | Run SETUP program and select correct drive types. Call drive manufactures for compatibility with other drives. |
Missing operating system on hard drive.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| CMOS setup has been changed. | Run setup and select correct drive type. |
Certain keys do not function.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| Keys jammed or defective. | Replace keyboard. |
Keyboard is locked, no keys function.
| PROBABLE CAUSE | DIAGNOSIS | SOLUTION |
| Keyboard is locked. | Unlock keyboard |
Troubleshooting Tips for New Monitors
Here are some basic trouble shooting tips for new monitors:
- The picture does not appear
- Check to make sure the signal cable is firmly connected in the socket.
- Check to see if the computer system's power is ON.
- Check that the Brightness Control is at the appropriate position, not at the minimum.
- The Screen is not synchronized
- Check to make sure the signal cable is firmly connected in the socket.
- Check that the output level matches the input level of your computer.
- Make sure the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor.
- The position of the screen is not in the center
- Adjust the H-Size, H-Phase or V-Size, V-Center controls.
- Check if the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor.
- The screen is too bright or too dark
- Check if the Brightness or contrast control is at the appropriate position, not at the maximum or minimum.
- Check if the specified voltage is applied
- Check if the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor.
- Especially, check the horizontal frequency.
- The screen is shaking
- Move all objects that emit a magnetic field, such as a motor or transformer, away from the monitor.
- Check if the specified voltage is applied.
- Check if the signal timing of the computer system is within the specification of the monitor.
Clear Google online web historyClear Google online web history
- Open Google.com.
- In the top right corner of the screen click Settings and then Google Account settings. Note: If you're not logged in you'll need to log in before continuing.
- Under My products click Web history as shown in the picture to the right.
- In the Web history click the Remove items link in the left column.
- Choose what you wish to clear or if you wish to clear all search queries click the Clear entire Web History.
Internet Explorer बाट File Menu लाई लुकाउन
१ Start \ Run \ Regedit
२ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
३ दाँया भागको खाली ठाउमा Right क्लिक गरी New Binary Value मा क्लिक गर्नुस् र नाम राखी दिनुस् NoFileMenu
४ Value लाई 01 00 00 00 राखी दिनुस्
५ कम्प्युटरलाई Reboot गर्नुस्
२ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
३ दाँया भागको खाली ठाउमा Right क्लिक गरी New Binary Value मा क्लिक गर्नुस् र नाम राखी दिनुस् NoFileMenu
४ Value लाई 01 00 00 00 राखी दिनुस्
५ कम्प्युटरलाई Reboot गर्नुस्
Desktop Cleanup Wizard लाई कन्ट्रोल गर्ने
Default मा Desktop Cleanup Wizard को पप अप हरेक ६० दिन पछि तपाईंको Desktop मा आउने गर्छ , यसलाई हटाउन चाहनु हुन्छ भने
१ Desktop मा Right क्लिक गर्नुस्
२ Properites मा जानुस्
३ Desktop Tab मा क्लिक गर्नुस्
४ Customize Desktop Button मा क्लिक गर्नुस्
५ Desktop Cleanup Wizard मा भएको टिक मार्कलाई हटाइदिनुस्
१ Desktop मा Right क्लिक गर्नुस्
२ Properites मा जानुस्
३ Desktop Tab मा क्लिक गर्नुस्
४ Customize Desktop Button मा क्लिक गर्नुस्
५ Desktop Cleanup Wizard मा भएको टिक मार्कलाई हटाइदिनुस्
Task Manager लाई Enable या Disable गर्ने
१ Start \ Run \ Regedit
२ Regedit भित्र HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
३ दाँया भागमा Right क्लिक गरेर New DwordValue बनाउनुस् र नाम राख्नुस् DisableTaskMgr
४ Task Manager Enable गर्नको लागि Value लाई 0 राखी दिनुस्
५ Disable गर्न को लागि Value 1 राख्नुस्
२ Regedit भित्र HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
३ दाँया भागमा Right क्लिक गरेर New DwordValue बनाउनुस् र नाम राख्नुस् DisableTaskMgr
४ Task Manager Enable गर्नको लागि Value लाई 0 राखी दिनुस्
५ Disable गर्न को लागि Value 1 राख्नुस्
कम्प्युटरलाई Shutdown गर्ने Shortcut बनाउन
१ Desktop मा Right माउस क्लिक गर्नुस्
२ New \ Shortcut
३ नाम राख्नुस् rundll32.exe वा PowrProf.dll वा SetSuspendState यि तीन मध्य कुनै पनि एक नाम राख्नुस्
४ अब तपाईंले बनाउनु भएको यो Shortcut लाई तपाईंले क्लिक गर्नु भयो भने तपाईंको कम्प्युटर आँफै Shutdown हुनेछ
२ New \ Shortcut
३ नाम राख्नुस् rundll32.exe वा PowrProf.dll वा SetSuspendState यि तीन मध्य कुनै पनि एक नाम राख्नुस्
४ अब तपाईंले बनाउनु भएको यो Shortcut लाई तपाईंले क्लिक गर्नु भयो भने तपाईंको कम्प्युटर आँफै Shutdown हुनेछ
My Computer बाट Manage लाई Hide गर्न
१ Start \ Run \ Regedit खोल्नुस्
२ अब HKEY_CURRENT_USER / Software / Microsoft / Windows / CurrentVersion / Policies / Explorer
३ अब दाँया पट्टी खाली ठाउमा Right क्लिक गर्नुस् र New Dword Value मा क्लिक गर्नुस् । नाम राख्नुस् NoManageMyComputerVerb
४ Value Data लाई 1 राखी दिनुस्
५ computer लाई Reboot गर्नुस्
२ अब HKEY_CURRENT_USER / Software / Microsoft / Windows / CurrentVersion / Policies / Explorer
३ अब दाँया पट्टी खाली ठाउमा Right क्लिक गर्नुस् र New Dword Value मा क्लिक गर्नुस् । नाम राख्नुस् NoManageMyComputerVerb
४ Value Data लाई 1 राखी दिनुस्
५ computer लाई Reboot गर्नुस्
Folder लाई Invisible बनाउन
१ कुन Folder लाई Invisible बनाउन चाहनु भएको हो त्यो Folder लाई Highlight गर्नुस्
२ Right माउस क्लिक गर्नुस् र Rename मा क्लिक गर्नुस्
३ Alt कि लाई थिची 0160 टाईप गर्नुस्
४ तपाईंको Folder को नाम हराइसकेको हुनेछ
५ अब उक्त Folder लाई Right क्लिक गर्नुस् , Prperties \ Customize \ Change Icon मा क्लिक गर्नुस् ६ त्यहा थुप्रै Icon हरुको लिस्ट छ , Scroll Bar लाई अली अली गरेर सार्दै जानुस् , त्यहा केही खाली ठाउँ देख्ननु हुन्छ त्यो खाली ठाउलाई क्लिक गर्नुस् र ok,ok गर्नुस्
७ तपाईंको Folder अब गाएब भयो । अब त्यो Folder लाई तपाईंले मात्र थाहा पाउने ठाउमा लगेर राख्न सक्नु हुन्छ ।
८ तपाईंले फेरी अर्को Folder लाई पनि यस्तै गर्न चाहनु भयो भने errorrenaming file or folder भन्ने मेसेज आउछ त्यसको लागि अर्को Folder लाई Rename गर्दा एक चोटि Space बार थिचेर अनी Alt कि थिचेर 0160 राख्दा हुन्छ । यसै गरी अरु Folder हरु पनि यस्तै गरी बनाउन सक्नु हुन्छ ।
२ Right माउस क्लिक गर्नुस् र Rename मा क्लिक गर्नुस्
३ Alt कि लाई थिची 0160 टाईप गर्नुस्
४ तपाईंको Folder को नाम हराइसकेको हुनेछ
५ अब उक्त Folder लाई Right क्लिक गर्नुस् , Prperties \ Customize \ Change Icon मा क्लिक गर्नुस् ६ त्यहा थुप्रै Icon हरुको लिस्ट छ , Scroll Bar लाई अली अली गरेर सार्दै जानुस् , त्यहा केही खाली ठाउँ देख्ननु हुन्छ त्यो खाली ठाउलाई क्लिक गर्नुस् र ok,ok गर्नुस्
७ तपाईंको Folder अब गाएब भयो । अब त्यो Folder लाई तपाईंले मात्र थाहा पाउने ठाउमा लगेर राख्न सक्नु हुन्छ ।
८ तपाईंले फेरी अर्को Folder लाई पनि यस्तै गर्न चाहनु भयो भने errorrenaming file or folder भन्ने मेसेज आउछ त्यसको लागि अर्को Folder लाई Rename गर्दा एक चोटि Space बार थिचेर अनी Alt कि थिचेर 0160 राख्दा हुन्छ । यसै गरी अरु Folder हरु पनि यस्तै गरी बनाउन सक्नु हुन्छ ।
Desktop बाट Recycle Bin लाई हटाउन
१ Start मा क्लिक गर्नुस् अनी Run मा क्लिक गरेर Regedit टाइप गर्नुस् र Enter थिच्नुस्
२ त्यसपछि HKEY_Local_Macine \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ Current Version \ Explorer \ Desktop \ Namespace
३ Namespace को "+" मा क्लिक गर्नुस्
४ 645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E मा क्लिक गर्नुस्
५ दाँया पट्टीको Default लाई डबल क्लिक गर्नुस् र Value Data को Recycle Bin लाई हटाइदिनुस्
६ आफ्नो कम्प्युटरलाई Re Boot गर्नुस् ।
२ त्यसपछि HKEY_Local_Macine \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ Current Version \ Explorer \ Desktop \ Namespace
३ Namespace को "+" मा क्लिक गर्नुस्
४ 645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E मा क्लिक गर्नुस्
५ दाँया पट्टीको Default लाई डबल क्लिक गर्नुस् र Value Data को Recycle Bin लाई हटाइदिनुस्
६ आफ्नो कम्प्युटरलाई Re Boot गर्नुस् ।
Scroll Bar को साइज(Width)बढाउने वा घटाऊनलाई
१ Desktop मा Right क्लिक गर्नुस् र Properties मा क्लिक गर्नुस्
२ Appearance Tab मा क्लिक गर्नुस्
३ Advanced Tab मा क्लिक गर्नुस्
४ Item मा Scrollbar चुज गर्नुस्
५ अब Size बढाउने हो या घटाऊने हो Amount राख्नुस्
६ ok , ok
२ Appearance Tab मा क्लिक गर्नुस्
३ Advanced Tab मा क्लिक गर्नुस्
४ Item मा Scrollbar चुज गर्नुस्
५ अब Size बढाउने हो या घटाऊने हो Amount राख्नुस्
६ ok , ok
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